Peter Stringer, the two-time Heineken Cup winning scrum half who has played 232 times for Munster, will this week join up with English club Bath on a short-term contract.

Peter Stringer has signed up with the Aviva Premiership side on a similar deal to the one arrranged last season with Saracens, but he will be available to Munster if required for the knock-out stages of the Heineken Cup.

A statement issued this afternoon stated: "Munster today announced that they have reached agreement with Bath Rugby for Peter Stringer to join the English Premiership club on a short-term contract.

"Stringer will join Bath this week and remain there on a seven-to-eight week loan basis, an arrangement similar to last season when the 35-year-old enjoyed stints with Saracens and Newcastle Falcons.

"He will be available to Munster for the Heineken Cup knock-out stages if required."

Commenting on the news, Munster head coach Rob Penney said: "As things stand, the opportunity that Peter desires to play top level rugby consistently doesn't present itself here in Munster.

"Cognisant of that desire, we are happy to accomodate him and Bath Rugby's request and hope the arrangement proves mutually beneficial. A consummate professional in every aspect of his conduct, he makes the move with our very best wishes."

Stringer has made just nine appearances for Munster this season, seven of those off the bench.